We can all agree that nepotism stinks and that dynastic politics are corrosive for our democracy. But if you look at Caroline Kennedy's senatorial pretensions pragmatically she makes a damn good choice for New York.

The state is in the throes of economic misery, has a governor who is mocked ruthlessly on SNL, is losing Hillary to the State Department, and is left with Wall Street stooge Chuck Schumer.

As a rookie Senator -- in a body that has just lost two of its biggest names, and is about to lose its lion in Uncle Teddy -- Caroline's polebrity brings with it the mojo to accomplish far more for New York than a more credibly seasoned politician entering at the bottom rungs of the hierarchical Senate could ever hope to get done.

And really, to those who say she's unqualified... Three words: Senator Al Franken.